Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday, 5 June said portfolios for the 12 newly sworn-in Cabinet ministers would be finalised only after a thorough review of administrative needs and individual ministerial strengths. The announcement came hours after Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers in Guwahati, completing the formation of the expanded Council of Ministers following the NDA's victory in the recent Assembly elections.

Why Sarma Is Delaying Portfolio Allocation

Speaking to reporters, Sarma said the government would take time to assess the performance of departments under previous ministers and identify where new inductees could contribute most effectively. He emphasised that a considered approach would yield better governance outcomes than a hurried assignment.

'I will take a little time. We need to review the work carried out by the ministers who previously handled various departments and assess which areas the new ministers can serve most effectively. Instead of rushing the process, we will conduct a proper evaluation before allotting the portfolios,' Sarma said.

Flood Emergency Prompts Immediate Guardian Minister Assignments

Despite the deliberate pace on portfolio allocation, Sarma indicated that guardian minister responsibilities would be assigned within a day, given the flood situation developing across parts of the state. Guardian ministers would be dispatched to their respective districts to assess ground conditions and coordinate with local administrations.

'By tomorrow, we will assign guardian minister responsibilities so that ministers can travel to different districts, understand the flood-related challenges, and ensure that district administrations remain fully active and responsive in handling the situation,' he said.

Council of Ministers Now Stands at 17

With the induction of the 12 Cabinet ministers, the strength of the Assam Council of Ministers has risen to 17, including the Chief Minister and four ministers who had taken oath earlier. The expansion follows the NDA's decisive performance in the state Assembly elections and marks a significant reshaping of the Sarma government's team.

What Comes Next

The formal allocation of department portfolios is expected in the coming days once the Chief Minister's review is complete. In the interim, the flood response will serve as the new ministers' first test — with guardian assignments putting them directly in the field before they have formal departmental charge. How Sarma distributes key ministries will signal his second-term priorities and the internal balance of power within the ruling coalition.